Wilhelmina Bertha Johnson was born in 1920 in Columbia, South Carolina to Praileau L. Johnson and Wilhelmina Ancrum Johnson. She was the youngest of three girls who all became teachers like their mother.
Wilhelmina started school at five because her mother taught her to read at home. She was “5 at home and 6 at school.” She attended Brooker T. Washington Elementary and High School which were on the same campus. She excelled in school so she challenged the 11th grade test and passed. She graduated at age 16 and won a scholarship to Tuskeegee Institute.
At an early age, she professed her faith and was a faithful member of St. James AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina. She sang in the youth choir under the direction of her Godmother, Mrs. Bertha Lewis and her sister Adeline played piano.
Wilhelmina taught school for 52 years. Six years in Georgia and South Carolina and 46 years in Stockton, CA.
She was famous for being the first teacher of color in San Joaquin County. Her hiring by SUSD in 1947 was a landmark event. After a year of study about the hiring of minority teachers by California School Districts, Stockton Unified School District hired her to teach First grade. The study was published and it’s conclusions set hiring policy throughout the state.
Wilhelmina married Ruben Smith Jr. in 1946 and moved to Stockton where his family lived. To this union two children were born Ruben lll and Rachelle. After her divorce she was introduced to Rev. E.T. Henry and they were married in 1956. To this union Edwin T. Henry lll was born.
She belonged to many organizations, most important were Ebenezer AME Church and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She was a faithful member of the church choir and supporter of church programs. She was a 41 year member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Mu Zeta Omega Chapter.
She moved from her old building to her heavenly mansion on April 2, 2022.
She leaves to mourn her passing her three children, Ruben Smith lll, Rachelle Smith Mimms, Edwin T. Henry lll of Stockton and one stepson Zilfert Smith Johnson of Pittsburgh, CA. Grandchildren Reja Smith (deaceased), Shayla R. Stroughter (Mario), Renee C. Mimms, Edwin T. Henry lV and Matthew A. Henry. Great-grandchildren Amir J. Smith, Makayla Henry, Makenzie Stroughter and Mateo B. Henry. Brother in law, Rev. James E. Smith Sr., Sister in law Ophelia Harvey ( Ulyssess). Her cousins Albert Jr., Zenobia, & Robert Thompson and a host of nieces and nephews. She is sorely missed by her Godson Thaddeus Smith III, and the one she called “my special girl”, Mary F. Kelley.
